I AM not sure whether the police in the country function on behest of politicians in power or the guardians of public interest.
The manner in which the police arrested and released on bail a senior citizen for calling the Kedah Menteri Besar Mohammed Sanusi Mohd Nor names raises questions about the conduct of the police themselves.
Within a few minutes after the video was circulated, the 61 year-old man from Lenggong, Negeri Sembilan was arrested for his remarks calling Sanusi stupid.
This arose from the fact that a few days earlierm Sanusi when asked by a reporter whether there were enough places to keep those who died from COVID-19, he remarked that containers could be used as the morgue.
However, he later apologised saying that it was meant as a joke and not to be taken seriously. Such “sick” or “inappropriate” joke was not something that was gleefully accepted.
Criticism aplenty
There were many who used the social media to berate Sanusi for making such an inappropriate statement, especially when many Malaysians have lost their dear ones to the virus.
On the basis of the report lodged by Sanusi’s special officer, the police swung into action to trace the video clip of the senior citizen, arrested him and brought him over to Kedah.
I don’t think that the police have done their work so efficiently on other pressing matters.
While there were hundreds, if not thousands, who railed against Sanusi for his offensive and insensitive remark, I wonder why this particular senior citizen became the focal point of his special officer.
Why was the remark “stupid” came to be regarded as super sensitive by the police when Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been repeatedly called all types of names including “stupid”.
The senior citizen has been released on bail but there is possibility that he could be charged under three different sets of law.
Since this senior citizen had previous conviction, I am not sure whether this was an added factor in his arrest. Or whether his previous conviction was really what mattered to the police.
Perhaps the police must explain why the video against Sanusi received such an attention whereas many other serious cases – despite police reports were lodged – were not accorded the same weightage.
If there are more information about the arrest of this person, then the police should be forthright and transparent about the matter.
Maybe the police should come out with the real reason why this person was arrested.
Special treatment
The question is what is so special about Sanusi – other than the fact he is the current Kedah MB – to receive such a special attention from the police.
As I said, even Muhyiddin – despite being criticised by social media users – never directed his officers to lodge police reports.
I suspect that Sanusi must be a special VVIP to the police. This is despite Sanusi being a disgrace as both a politician and Kedah MB.
He is regarded as a controversial leader and is prone to mood swings. Generally, the people in Kedah think that he is the first and final term Kedah MB.
Apparently, it is believed that in the next general election he might become a liability to PAS. Presently, there are already moves to replace him before the election.
It is also well known that Sanusi is racist and religious extremist. After he became the MB, two Hindu temples were destroyed – one in Alor Setar and other in Kulim.
The temple in Alor Setar existed long before the country became independent.
Sanusi given his contempt for Indians and Hindus, cancelled the much valued Thaipusam holiday last year on the grounds that it was not a gazetted holiday.
In the history of Kedah, this was the first act of contempt against the Hindus. For his insensitive and blatant disregard for the Indian community, he was criticised by some Indian leaders.
In his characteristic response, he said that these Indian leaders were “drunk on the toddy of populism”. There is really no love between him and the Penang state.
After becoming the MB, he demanded payment from Penang for drawing water from Sungai Muda. When Penang refused, saying that it was drawing water from its side of the river, he threatened to choke off water supply.
Within a matter or two or three months, he threatened Penang with the supply of muddy water by giving green light to the construction of 14 water tanks along the river.
A few weeks back he disrespected the movement control order (MCO) by going for test drive in Penang. He denied it but was exposed by a public spirited citizen.
He had to swallow his pride when the police having checked the cameras came to the conclusion that he had indeed defied the MCO. He had to pay a fine.
But the woman who lodged a complaint against Sanusi was hounded and harassed by his supporters and mercenary cyber troopers to the point that even her business was affected.
Malaysians of all walks of life are undergoing the greatest difficulty under the pandemic. Politicians particularly the ministers and others are being criticised heavily for not taking their responsibilities seriously.
Obviously, these persons are not above the law but have been put in positions to take care of the people.
They have no special protection from the police or the law enforcement agencies. In this respect, Sanusi does not deserve any special treatment from the police. – Aug 10, 2021
Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is the state assemblyman for Perai. He is also Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
